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What is Reiki?

“The energy of Reiki is simply infinite, it does not start and finish, it pervades all. It belongs to no one person but all and beyond.”  Caron 2024

 

Tibetan Lamas, possessing profound knowledge of matter, energy, and spirit, were the custodians of ancient healing wisdom. They practised hands-on healing, emphasising energy flow and spiritual connection to promote well-being.

Ancient Tibetan spiritual traditions, including Shinto and Buddhism, shaped the philosophy and principles of Reiki. These traditions recognised interconnectedness and compassion.

The roots of Reiki trace back to Tibet, where healing practices involving energy flow were prevalent. However, the modern practice of Reiki was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the 19th century.

Mikao Usui’s Revelation was In 1922, after a lifetime of study and dedication, Usui Sensei had a life-changing experience during a meditation retreat on Mount Kurama near Kyoto, Japan. During this mystical encounter, he received the Reiki energy and developed the simple system of Reiki that we know today.

There were four other Styles of Reiki before Usui’s being practiced in Japan: Reikan Tonetsu Ryoho, Senshinryu Reiki Ryoho, Seido Reishojutsu, Reiki Ryoho

Usui Sensei’s style, which he called Usui Reiki Ryoho, eventually gained prominence. Despite other forms of Reiki falling into disuse or remaining relatively unknown, Usui Reiki continued to be practiced and grew in popularity.

In summary, Reiki’s journey spans ancient wisdom, rediscovery, and global dissemination, making it a popular and effective healing technique even today.

Reiki is a Japanese word used by the Founding Sensei Mikao Usui meaning universal life force energy, spiritual energy or our true self.

Rei – Means something mysterious and sacred

Ki – Means something unseen or the energy of the universe

 

The above can be quite confusing to understand, so  there are a few simple ways that help you think about Reiki:

 

1.Reiki as a treatment practice

You can think of Reiki as a natural healing treatment or a complimentary healing practice that restores a state of balance of the mind, body and spirit

Reiki practice and treatment is closely aligned to a mindfulness practice and enhances a persons naturally circulating life force energy with that of universal life force energy. This process helps restore a state of balance.

2. Reiki as a spiritual practice

Most importantly for the Reiki practitioner one can realise their true nature or enlightened great bright light -Spiritual Energy – Reiki.

This deeper level is the profound path to true healing. The more we practice the more we begin to expose our inner reality cutting away the external aspects of a mind of clinging, grasping, anger, fear and worry.

The more we lessen the grip to the dualistic mind, the lighter the energetic load nudging us closure to unveil the inner diamond the treasure inside. The clearer the outer reality the brighter our inner light shines enabling a natural flow of compassion and a far deeper understanding of ultimate Bodhicitta (Boundless Compassion).

So the true answer to what is Reiki? is more appropriately responded to as:

The system of Reiki helps us realise our truth.

The practice includes a range of methods and techniques:

“The secret of inviting happiness through many blessings, the spiritual medicine for all illness”

For Today Only

  • Do Not Anger or Worry
  • Be Grateful 
  • Practice Diligently
  • Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others

 

Refer to the Learn Reiki Page Learn Reiki for additional Information